Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: where is the entrapment commonly located?

• A. In the wrist.
• B. In the arm.
• C. In the neck.
• D. In the knee.

Answer: (B)

Compression of the ulnar nerve most often happens around the elbow, where the nerve runs through the cubital tunnel behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus. This area is a narrow, tight passage, and elbow flexion can squeeze the nerve, especially with repeated bending or prolonged pressure. That’s why cubital tunnel entrapment at the elbow is the most common site.

Think of the symptoms that fit this location: numbness or tingling in the little finger and half of the ring finger, sometimes with weakness of hand intrinsic muscles. While the nerve can also be compressed at the wrist (Guyon’s canal), the elbow region remains the typical, more frequent site. Entrapment higher up in the neck or in the knee doesn’t fit the usual pattern of ulnar neuropathy.